Christened by the Famous Mountain Explorer

BOONE

Christened by the famous mountain explorer,

Once a small, uninhabited town,

Today still small in size, but now a hectic hub for college students,

National championships, and endless commotion in one form or another.

They tell me You are boring, lifeless, and without glamour, and I consider them,

for I have seen Your mall-less, restaurant-less existence.

They tell me You are crowded, and I answer: Yes, it is true.

I have sat in the unmoving, unrelenting, unyielding force that is the 5’o clock traffic in this wretched place.

And they tell me the multitude is too great, and I survey the array of black and gold

that fills every nook and cranny every other weekend in the fall.

And they tell me of the dark hostility of Your winter tide and I answer:

I too have seen the harsh hibernation forced upon the masses.

And having reflected upon what they tell me and given my candid concurrence:

I stop.

I contemplate.

I deliberate.

I recall the downtown delight of perusing through antique shops,

and cozying up in a coffeshop corner.

The small things provided comfort when I needed them,

and Your roundabout routes and passageways provided adventure when we needed escape.

Under the haven of the stars we dodged our obligations and admired Your majesty.

I then conjure up images of Price Park, Rough Ridge, and the Moses Cone Manor:

Hiking,

Ultimate Frisbee Playing,

Picnicking,

Bonding with friends

Under the stunning views of the natural landscape provided by the crests and peaks of the mountains round.

I remember Spring as new flowers bloomed

and laughter spread each time chacos emerged for frolicking in the fields.

I remember Summer as You became as vacant as an empty lot,

taking a respite from Your usual burden and allowing the glistening sun to shine upon You.

I remember Fall as Your beautiful transition took place

and all enjoyed the splendor of the orange, red, and yellow hues.

Invaluable as a pearl in an oyster, as unforgettable as a shooting star,

Your sixty-six strong who helped paved the way for me to be who I’m going to be.

Laughing, learning, and working together, imparting wisdom to send me off.

Off into the real world, where now I must go. Boone, I must leave you now, but this you must know:

No matter where I go,

You will always be dear to my soul.

Boone, Home away from home,

Keeper of my Heart.

Inspired by the poem “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg.